Director Distribution Operations

Join to apply for the Director Distribution Operations role at Castrol - Wakefield Canada Inc Direct message the job poster from Castrol - Wakefield Canada Inc Position Title: Director, Distribution Operations Department: Supply Chain Reporting Manager: VP, Supply Chain Effective Date: January 2026 Why Wakefield Canada? Lead. Grow. Make an impact. Join a purpose-driven, Canadian-owned company—The exclusive manufacturer and distributor of Castrol branded lubricants in Canada, one of the world’s most recognized brands. Step into a high-impact leadership role where innovation, integrity, and people come first. We’re growing fast—and so will you. Join an empowered high-performance team where our greatest asset is our people and ability to move fast. Competitive compensation, benefits, and rewards. Real influence. Let’s build something great—together About Wakefield Canada Wakefield Canada is the exclusive distributor of Wakefield and Castrol premium lubricants in Canada. A trusted industry leader, we deliver innovative, high-performance solutions across automotive, heavy-duty, and industrial sectors. Our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and a strong performance-driven culture has made Wakefield a top-tier workplace and partner of choice nationwide. Position Overview: This role is based in Toronto and reports to the VP, Supply Chain. The Director, Distribution Operations has overall responsibility for the physical movement of goods through the Wakefield Supply Chain and Sales Order Management. The Director will be leading and implementing initiatives that impact Transportation, Warehousing and Sales Order Management designed to improve Wakefield’s cost to serve and/or service level. This role will provide national leadership for Supply Chain strategy, working in conjunction with Supply Chain Leadership, with a strong commitment to the organizations’ goals and values. Key Accountabilities Distribution Network Transportation Accountable for management of all aspects of and finished goods transportation for Wakefield and the Wakefield fleet of trucks, and Third-Party transportation providers Development of policies/standards with Sales, Marketing and other functions to improve Wakefield profitability and managing customer expectations Determine business requirements for and ensure that Wakefield has enough capacity in Transportation, and Warehousing to support 95%+ In Full On Time (IFOT) Manage and maintain healthy relationships with all transportation service providers Warehousing Accountable for management of all aspects of the cost, capacity and productivity of the national warehousing network Ensure that the national warehousing network is able to meet future business requirements Manage and maintain healthy relationships with all Third-Party Warehousing service providers Systems Integration Leverage technology to improve Wakefield’s Supply Chain. Work with internal cross-functional stakeholders to prioritize improvements and systems changes. Unify and improve transportation planning nationally through active leadership of the processes and software tools used load build and route plan outbound SO’s to maximize customer satisfaction and reduce our cost to serve General Accountabilities Participate in developing, recommending and implementing the Supply Chain network strategy. Interact with all levels of Wakefield Management providing effective communication and direction regarding Supply Chain initiatives Key participant in budget process and cost reviews Superior leadership and demonstration of ability to work with cross-functional groups to solve problems, improve processes, increase efficiencies and develop new business strategies Strong working understanding of best practices in supply chain management, distribution and warehousing, transportation equipment, management, organization, planning, systems, safety, and regulatory environment Exceptional project management skills including clear understanding and knowledge of project controls, management of change and project selection Leadership level business acumen understanding financial and non-financial management information, data and key performance indicators Leadership level understanding and demonstration of principles and practices concerning Health, Safety, Security and Environment, and regulatory compliance practices Understands and delivers on Customer Service Orientation, Customer Insights, and Complaint Handling Direct Managerial / Supervisory Responsibility Responsible for the supervision, evaluation, and development of Regional Supply Chain Managers. Direct reports are located in Toronto, Quebec, and Alberta, and the role includes regular travel to these regions. Providing direction, coaching/mentoring, and training to all members of your team. Create an environment that encourages personal and career development. Strong collaboration, influencing and partnering responsibilities with entire Wakefield Leadership Team Education / Experience Minimum of 10 years’ experience in Supply Chain Management, covering the following areas: Systems/ERP Management of Change Leadership Strategic Demand Planning/Forecasting; Inventory Management, Logistics/Distribution Management Strategic Operations Management Professional qualifications; minimum Undergraduate degree (Supply Chain, Science or engineering preferred) Exposure to different cultures and environments Knowledge of Lubricants, Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) or special chemical business Experience in supply chain fundamentals (i.e. transportation, warehouse operations and sales order management) Well-developed skills in leadership, problem solving, communications, negotiations and planning Experience managing a variety of third-party contractors, suppliers, vendors and assets nationally Proven ability to work with a team of professionals located remotely Demonstrated experience with a working knowledge in Logistics Safety, Storage & Handling Operations, Warehouse Operations, and Network Modeling & Optimization Demonstrated capability in budgeting, planning and cross-functional relationship building Demonstrated excellence in customer experience management Working Conditions Office, and warehouse environment Frequent travel Why Join Wakefield Work with a recognized leader and trusted brand in the lubricant industry. Competitive compensation, bonus, and benefits package. Opportunities for professional growth and development. Dynamic and collaborative company culture. Join a purpose-driven, Canadian-owned company where you’ll be part of a team that moves fast, and makes a real impact—backed by a global brand and competitive rewards. #J-18808-Ljbffr